Dongmyo (Eastern Guan Yu Shrine), Seoul首尔东庙（东关王庙）

Type

Overseas Daoist Temples

Location

South Korea · Seoul Special City · Jongno District · Covers approximately 9,315 square meters, enclosed by an earth-and-stone wall

Coordinates

37.5731, 127.0182 Map ↗

First built

Construction began in 1599 and was completed in 1601 · Funded by the Wanli Emperor, who bestowed a plaque in his own calligraphy; originally an Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern shrine were built, but only the Dongmyo survives today.

Heritage status

Treasure of the Republic of Korea

Overview

Dongmyo (Eastern Guan Yu Shrine, in full the Eastern Shrine to the King Guan) was begun in 1599 and completed in 1601; it enshrines Guan Yu as its principal deity (honored as "King Guan"), and was a product of Ming China's exertion of influence over Joseon after the Imjin War: funded by the Wanli Emperor, who bestowed a plaque in his own calligraphy, with Ming military commanders also promoting its construction. Joseon officials of the time had considerable reservations about sacrificing to Guan Yu, yet found it difficult to refuse Ming's demands, and the shrine thus stands as physical testimony to the political and religious negotiations of that era in East Asia. Originally an Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern shrine were all built, but only the Dongmyo survives today. Its status rose during the reign of King Yeongjo (1724–1776), when it became a state ritual site expressing "longing for the Ming" in opposition to the Qing. The shrine complex covers some 9,300-odd square meters, enclosed by an earth-and-stone wall; within the main hall stands a wooden carved image of Guan Yu, its form following Chinese tradition. It is today registered as a Korean Treasure. In nature it is a state sacrificial installation rather than a Daoist religious body.

Highlights

• Funded and bestowed a plaque by the Wanli Emperor
• A product of Ming influence after the Imjin War
• Site of King Yeongjo's state rites of "longing for the Ming"
• The sole survivor of the original four shrines